A mother of two who embezzled almost €190,000 from the National Concert Hall and another employer has been jailed for a year.

Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard that although Mary O'Toole had severe financial pressures at the time due to mounting debt, she spent the money on tarot readings, 'hotlines and “nonsense” internet shopping.

O'Toole (44) of Elmfield Drive in Clarehall pleaded guilty to sample charges of theft from Forest Tosara Ltd. on dates between April 30th 2008 and September 16th 2010.

She also admitted theft of a computer hard drive from the company on February 14th 2011.

O'Toole also pleaded guilty to sample charges of theft, totalling €49,820, from the National Concert Hall on dates between December 13th 2011 and February 22nd 2012, half of which remains outstanding.

The court heard she bought a house in 2007 at the height of the boom. The thefts began the following year after her marriage broke up.

She was in charge of the payroll at Forest Tosara Ltd. - a company in Baldoyle that employs around 80 people and manufactures Sudocrem.

Irregularities in the software system came to light in 2011.

It appeared payments were being made to former members of staff but in reality O'Toole manipulated the system so that money was being diverted into four accounts under her control.

She was suspended on full pay while the matter was investigated.

When initially confronted she denied any wrong-doing and attempted to cover her tracks but she later made full admissions to gardai.

In 2011 she managed to secure temporary employment in a payroll capacity with the National Concert Hall.

Once again the court heard that she manipulated the system for her own gain. Her lawyers said it is difficult to explain her offending behaviour.

The court heard it has caused a major split in her family. The mother of two has had a history of depression since 2004.

Judge Mary Ellen Ring imposed a three year sentence but suspended the final two years.